Swift, swallow or martin?

As our winter birds depart for their summer breeding grounds, we start to see the UK’s summer arrivals.

Swallows and martins are some of our quintessential summer birds, but what’s the easiest way to tell them apart?

All are agile in the sky with forked tails, but there are a few key differences to look out for, especially in their distinct calls.

• Arrive from late April
• Crescent-like wings, forked tails
• Sooty brown, can appear black in the sky
• Evocative screaming call

Swift call: Uku Paal, XC664458. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/664458

For more information about swifts in the Hampshire area of the Solent visit Hampshire Swifts.

• Arrive from late March
• Long tail streamers, forked tails
• Glossy blue upper, red throats
• Mix of trills and twitters

Swallow call: Peter Boesman, XC671781. Accessible at https://xeno-canto.org/671781

• Arrive from March/April
• Forked tails
• Blue-black upper, white underneath, brown-black wings
• High pitched and trilling call

House martin call: Alain Malengreau, XC574934. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/574934

• Arrive from March
• Forked tails
• Dark brown upper, white underside, brown bar across chests
• Rasping, chattering twitter

Sand martin call: Sonothèque ADVL, XC707135. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/707135